Our Users Say

Critic Reviews

MobyRanks are listed below. You can read here for more information about MobyRank.

91

DOSPC Games

Overall, Star Control 2 was funnier, more colorful game, but Star Control 3 supplies a superior gaming engine, excellent online help (including a tracking system for hints), a sophisticated strategy-based colony system, fine Super VGA artwork, and far better game balance. Internal comparisons aside, Star Control 3 is a delightfully challenging game that's sure to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Since the announcement of its development in 1995, the third title in the Star Control series has quickly risen on top of the most awaited sequels among other hype titles such as Falcon 4.0, Lands of Lore 2 and Privateer 2: The Darkening. Not only were people anxiously looking forward to this first collaboration between Legend Entertainment (the developer) and Accolade, but also the series' aficionados who were eager to fling themselves into new perilous adventures across the galaxy. But let's reassure them both, Star Control 3 is worth the wait, and once again, it will draw you into its epic universe.

Doogs, Ktangs, Spathis,… Daktaklakpaks? After playing Star Control 3 for a few hundred hours, these will be household names to you. In fact, the four interstellar races mentioned above are but a few of the motley cast of characters that you're either allying with or warring against in this epic space oddity. And Star Control 3 is a vast oddity, integrating real-time strategy and action elements with the exploratory playability of an adventure title into one game. It may take up eons of play time to finally solve, but one thing's for sure: you will become absorbed in the Star Control universe that unfurls before you.

Although it isn't spectacular by today's standards, Star Control 3 is a good game in all categories, even if I didn't want to give it that. However, it earned its score in all of them, despite my cries to give it otherwise. Overall, SC3 gets an (Uhmmm… think, think…) 86%. Yeah, that'll do.

To some gamers, the different elements of gameplay will be a welcome change, and those with an open mind might find themselves totally engrossed by the STAR CONTROL story, the hilarious dialogue, the great character interaction and even the fun Hyper Melee module. The strategy element tends to bog down at times, and adventure game purists will probably be too frustrated with this module to continue playing. But If you take this game for what it is, and don't restrict it to the classic definition of an adventure game, then you'll discover a truly stellar experience.

80

DOSComputer Gaming World (CGW)

To some gamers, the different elements of gameplay will be a welcome change, and those with an open mind might find themselves totally engrossed by the STAR CONTROL story, the hilarious dialogue, the great character interaction and even the fun Hyper Melee module. The strategy element tends to bog down at times, and adventure game purists will probably be too frustrated with this module to continue playing. But If you take this game for what it is, and don't restrict it to the classic definition of an adventure game, then you'll discover a truly stellar experience.

80

DOSWorld Village (Gamer's Zone)

Disappointing music aside, SC3 is a quality recreation of the now-classic galactic romp: Star Control II. The combination of spoken voice and puppets lends a cinematic feel to the game. Though the game is short, I had too much fun to notice. Still, Legend's spin adds nothing noteworthy to a proven formula and, in a few places, falls short of Reiche and Ford's masterwork. Star Control 3 is, however, one of the better games to appear on the shelves this year.

Star Control 3 was sort of a letdown for me, primarily in the adventure game portion. If you really work at it, the game can be won in 5 hours (forget any long nights and lost sleep), and it's really quite anti-climactic. After all, I didn't buy the game so I could play hyper-melee; I have Star Control 1 and 2 for that. I was hyped about the adventure game, which fell dramatically short of my expectations. The races were shallow and did not interact with each other very much, not to mention the flat storyline and dull ending. I guess it's my new $40 hyper-melee game. In the end, I must give Star Control 3 a 70 out of 100 for a short, flat adventure game with some redeeming graphics. I sure hope Accolade comes out with another Star Control game soon. I'm still a loyal fan with hopes of a more exciting, interesting installment to come.

Star Control 3 has a multiplayer mode; it's limited to Hyper Melee. Fight friends on the same keyboard, or over a modem, serial, or network connection. Star Control 3, although dated, proves entertaining for fans of the series or gamesters who like interactive adventures without total strategic conquest. Sometimes less is more.

The universe faces destruction from tears in the space-time continuum. You can save the universe by repairing the tears, but it's probably not worth the trouble. This science-fiction adventure lacks a modern game feel, with stale character interaction and clumsy fighting modes.

Star Control 3 is an ambitious game by 1996 standards. MacSoft is to be praised for having the perseverance to port this game, and for doing a fine job with what was given. Unfortunately, I can't recommend Star Control 3 to anyone whose friendship I care about. Afraid I was being too harsh, I consulted several reviews done by PC publications in 1996. A few reviews heralded this final chapter in a groundbreaking saga, but most saw it as a disappointment, even considering its past successes. There are probably Mac gamers who are so bent on new adventure/strategy game experiences that they can overlook the difficult learning curve, glaring age, and mediocre story line to find an entertaining experience with Star Control 3. With so many other excellent offerings by MacSoft, Accolade, and others, I just don't see why anyone would want to.

20

MacintoshMac Game Gate

This game is totally pointless, a waste of money and just simply bad. Frankly, it sucks. There's no other way I could put it, it's the truth. If you want a space adventure, go for something that lasts more than 15 minutes, need I say that this don't?